Marijuana is legal in more than half the US.

Cannabis Legal In More Than Half The US!

Where Is Medical Marijuana Legal?

It’s been eight decades, but cannabis prohibition is over in more than half of the United States. Finally!

Here are the 29 states (plus Washington DC) that have legal cannabis laws:

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Hawaii

Illinois

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Montana

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Dakota

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Vermont

Washington

Washington, DC

West Virginia

Do you know the history of cannabis prohibition in the US?

It started with a guy named Harry.

Harry Anslinger was the Papa of Pot Prohibition

Anslinger began his career as an alcohol prohibition agent in the 1920’s. He was a puritan and loved alcohol prohibition so much–he was very sad when it ended. But he didn’t stay sad for long. Harry found a new plan to maintain control, he copied what Mexico did 17 years earlier and created the “Marihuana Tax Act of 1937”. This made cannabis illegal.

Harry Hated Jazz

In the 1930’s, society was even more racist than it is now. Interracial marriage was still illegal. Black people were still being lynched.

Unfortunately, we haven’t come all that far. Racism is still so ingrained in society, even the most liberal unintentionally engage in white supremacy every day.

In the 1930’s, the public admired Harry’s racism. Racism motivated the public. If keeping marijuana away meant keeping minorities away, the masses wanted it. (Unfortunately, in 2018, we still have leaders who target marginalized classes.)

Harry Anslinger was appointed (some say by his wife’s uncle) as the first US Commissioner for the Federal Bureau of Narcotics.

In 1937, against the advice of the American Medical Association, Harry Anslinger created the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 and that’s how cannabis prohibition was born.

There’s no doubt, Harry was racist, but some suggest his marijuana motivations weren’t entirely driven by that racism. It’s been alleged that Harry also had financial motivations. Either way, he manipulated people using racial hysteria to achieve his political goals.

Here are some of the racist comments attributed to Harry Anslinger:

“There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the U.S., and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz and swing result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others.”

“Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men.”

“Two Negroes took a girl fourteen years old and kept her for two days in a hut under the influence of marihuana. Upon recovery, she was found to be “suffering from” syphilis.”

Jessie Gill, RN is a cannabis nurse with a background in holistic health and hospice. After suffering a spinal injury, she reluctantly became a medical marijuana patient then quickly transitioned into an advocate. Her site, MarijuanaMommy.com combines science with personal insight to educate about medical marijuana. She’s been featured on Viceland and bylines include GoodHousekeeping, Cosmopolitan, MSN, and more.

IMPORTANT

Medical marijuana should be used under the guidance of a licensed healthcare practitioner. This site is intended as an educational overview of cannabis and does not constitute medical or legal advice.

This website is informational and cannot diagnose or treat illness or disease. Medical marijuana is not FDA approved and should be used under the direction of a licensed healthcare provider. This site contains advertisements. If you click a link and make a purchase, MarijuanaMommy.com may receive a commission.